February Is American Heart Month 2024 - Let's Help Each Other

Author: Saumya Khanduja on Feb 13,2024

The month of February is dedicated to observing the American Heart Month 2024. 

 

Heart disease is one of the primary causes of death in America today. It has claimed the lives of over 650,000 people annually. During American Heart Month 2024, lets come together and raise awareness about the risks involved. Lets also come together and remember and honor the lives we have lost to heart diseases and highlight steps that we can take to save countless other lives. 

 

This American Heart Month also addresses the unequal burden we see around us in context to heart diseases in various communities. 

 

The month of February is the perfect time to learn about ones heart and ways to take care of the same. It is also the perfect time to understand symptoms and signals that indicate bad cardiovascular health. There are multiple ways we can all come together and embrace our heart health. Lets look at some ways to improve your heart health, even when you or a loved one is living with heart disease. 

 

You do have odds to live a long, healthy life! 

 

Heart Disease - Definition 

 

Heart diseases describe different conditions that can affect ones heart health or cardiovascular health. Heart diseases can include blood vessels, problems in heart rhythms, and congenital defects

 

An extremely common heart disease in the United States is CAD or Coronary Artery Disease. The disease occurs when a persons arteries are not able to supply blood to the body because they become hard due to cholesterol buildup. The disease can lead to various health issues like heart failure, heart attack, stroke, angina, and irregular heartbeats. 

 

Facts You Should Know 

 

Every one in four people die from heart disease in the United States annually. Heart disease can strike people at any time. Some people are at more risk than others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most deaths can be prevented if proper measures are taken. 

 

Some extremely common risk factors of heart diseases include: 

 

1. High cholesterol level 

2. High blood pressure 

3. Obesity

4. Diabetes

5. Inactive lifestyle 

6. Cigarette smoking 

7. Alcohol consumption 

 

Symptoms 

There are multiple forms of heart disease, and most of them share common warning signs and symptoms among the majority of people. It is extremely important to learn these symptoms to get a prompt diagnosis and medical care. 

 

Various symptoms include: 

 

1. Discomfort in the chest 

2. Chest pain 

3. Shortness of breath 

4. Nausea or vomiting 

5. Sweating 

6. Cold sweats

7. Feeling fuller

8. Indigestion

9. Exhaustion or fatigue 

10. Weakness 

11. Feeling dizzy and light-headed 

12. Irregular heartbeat

13. Palpitations

14. Increase in heart rate

 

Preventing Heart Diseases 

 

 

There are multiple risk factors that develop as people age. Factors and risks like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc., can increase ones chances of developing heart diseases and stroke. 

 

So, if you or someone you know has developed any of these risks and/or suffers from heart diseases, there are ways you can help your heart be in perfect shape and health. Here are some healthy lifestyle habits one can incorporate as a step towards good heart health! 

 

Healthy Heart Habits 

As per the American Heart Association, there are multiple ways to improve ones heart health. It is possible that you can reduce your risk for heart diseases by making a few changes in your daily lifestyle. These changes will help you manage your heart conditions sooner instead of later. 

 

Here are a few ways to get started:

 

Exercise 

Getting enough exercise is important. It is, in fact, one of the most important ways to improve our heart health. It is recommended that we must perform moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes every week. 

 

No smoking 

If you do not smoke, great! If you do, it is time you stop. There are multiple benefits to living life without smoking. These benefits include feeling energetic, reducing cancer risk, and better blood circulation. 

 

Eating healthy 

Start to load up on fresh fruits and vegetables as much as you can. Try to control your intake of excess salts, fats, and other saturated fatty meals that also contain cholesterol. 

 

Watch yourself 

Try to get your health monitored regularly. Get health checkups done and watch all your data on a regular basis. Your blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol levels, and other essential tests must be done on a regular basis to keep your health in control. 

 

Minimize those drinks 

Reduce your overall alcohol intake. You can actually worsen your health by consuming alcohol in large quantities. This way, you can contribute to heart conditions like arrhythmia, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc. 

 

Keep a check on your weight 

Prevent heart diseases altogether by watching your weight regularly. Maintain a healthy range of body weight as per your height and shape. Being overweight can add up to your risk of developing heart diseases eventually. 

 

Sleep better 

Understand the importance of sleep. It is essentially important for people older in age. Getting a decent sleep between 7-8 hours every night is important to improve your brain functionality, immunity levels, metabolism, as well as your mental well-being. 

 

Goodbye stress 

Reducing stress is another integral part of reducing your overall risk of developing heart diseases. Stress overall compounds to risks of heart diseases that most of us already face in this fast-paced environment. Take some time to indulge in healthy mindfulness practices. Relieve your stress to lower your overall risk of heart diseases. 

 

Ways to reduce risks of heart diseases 

Most health conditions today can easily contribute to developing heart diseases and increasing your overall risk of heart attacks. Treatment and prevention of heart diseases require people to treat other contributing factors and problems to keep everything under control. So, here are a few ways to reduce your overall risk of heart diseases:

 

1. Lower your cholesterol levels

2. Keep a check on your blood pressure. 

3. Keep your diabetes under control. 

4. Consume prescription medicines if you suffer from any heart diseases. Beta-blockers, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers are important for people to consume. Doctors may suggest taking aspirin daily to reduce your overall risk of a heart attack. 

5. If you or your loved one are struggling to maintain their daily activity and manage their lifestyle because of heart diseases, please seek help from a caregiver. Caregivers can offer you assistance as and when you need it. This also helps encourage overall activity and independence inside and outside the home. 

 

With better awareness resources, along with some lifestyle changes, we can all help each other out to live better lives. The lives of all Americans can be changed for good, so they live longer, healthier, and fuller lives: this American Heart Month 2024, advocate for healthy habits. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Invest in your body, especially as you are aging. So, reduce the overall risk of developing heart diseases and other conditions. It is not too late to start living a healthy life!

 

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Learn The Power Of Ciprofloxacin In Solving Major Infections

 Brand Name: Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XRGeneric Name: CiprofloxacinDrug Classes: fluoroquinolone antibioticDrug Form: Tablet Or InjectionCiprofloxacin is an antibiotic that belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics known for its high antibiotic activity. It is commonly used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It has also played an essential role in treating infections resistant to other antibiotics. Nevertheless, just like any other type of auctorymedico treatment, It has its pros and cons, which patients and caregivers should know.Overview of CiprofloxacinCiprofloxacin/Sandoz is one of the most popular antibiotics in the class of fluoroquinolones. It is especially effective against a broad spectrum of causative microbes. This drug is often used to target bacteria because it prevents their DNA from getting replicated by inhibiting the functions of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, respectively. This inhibition renders the bacteria incapable of reproduction and self-repair, clearing the infection out of the system.Learn More: Staph Infections: Causes, Prevention, and Home TreatmentsDespite this beneficial use, Cigrofloxacine is not for all. It is not uncommon to hear an individual complaining regarding this infant's antibiotic pills, especially the side effects such as severe headaches and dizziness. Some medications come in capsule form, while others in suspension, drip, or injection form. These different drug formulations improve patient-specific treatment for infections or patients.Uses of CiprofloxacinUrinary Tract Infections (UTIs)Ciprofloxacin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for urinary tract infections (UTIs) because it is effective against uropathic bacteria, including E. coli, the major cause of most UTIs. This may be more so for complicated UTIs that have reached the kidneys or are resistant to other antibiotic therapy.Respiratory InfectionsCiprofloxacin is indicated for treating infections associated with the lower and upper respiratory tracts, e.g., bacterial bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Furthermore, it may be used for diseases related to susceptible bacteria that cannot be treated with other safer antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporin. It is also less frequently used to treat lower respiratory tract infections, which are not indicated as hospital-acquired.Skin and Soft Tissue InfectionsCiprofloxacin may be prescribed to patients suffering from bacterial skin and soft tissue infections like cellulitis and wound infections, where other antibiotics prove ineffective. Its universal action comes in handy for treating infections due to resistant organisms in instances when IV therapy is not available or not needed.Gastrointestinal InfectionsCiprofloxacin is commonly prescribed for tummy bugs caused by pathogenic Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter, usually because of food and water contamination. In the case of travelers' diarrhea, It is sometimes also given to patients.Bone and Joint InfectionsCiprofloxacin is a second-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug that can be given due to its ability to penetrate tissue. It can be used for higher infective purposes such as osteomyelitis (bone infection) or septic joint (septic arthritis). These infections are typically of prolonged treatment duration and augurs well, Ciprofloxacin's ability to ache within the bone tissue.Side Effects of CiprofloxacinNausea and VomitingAmong the most prominent adverse effects experienced in the initial few weeks of treatment are nausea and vomiting, which are quite incredibly common. These do subside with time as the body gets used to the medication. However, taking small meals that are eaten frequently instead of large meals and avoiding greasy food may induce a degree of comfort.DiarrheaAs with most broad-spectrum antibiotics, Ciprofloxacin has the potential to cause diarrhea by altering normal gut bacteria. However, such occurrences may be troublesome if the diarrhea is overly intense and causes pain or particularly blood-stained feces, as this may present a threat of Clostridium difficile colitis.HeadacheCiprofloxacin is very likely to cause mild to moderate headaches, which may be counteracted with common analgesics as long as they do not interact with this antimicrobial agent.DizzinessDizziness, also known as light-headedness, is especially common in the elderly. Therefore, it is better to refrain from executing any tasks where the focus of the mind is required to drive and use heavy machines.Tendonitis and Tendon RuptureThe group of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, including Ciprofloxacin, tends to provoke tendonitis and, in some cases, even ruptures of the tendon, primarily of the Achilles tendon, in those at risk. Such risk is even greater in the elderly, sports people, and patients on steroids at the same time. However, they are advised against engaging in vigorous physical activities during the course of treatment.PhotosensitivitySome individuals taking ciprofloxacin may experience an increased sensitivity to UV light, increasing the chances of burning. Therefore, the patients are advised to apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing, or avoid too much direct sun exposure.Confusion or HallucinationsEvery so often, however, and this is quite unusual, some individuals may get confused, become anxious, or, in some cases, even hallucinate. These are primarily due to extra-pyramidal side effects, which are more prevalent among geriatric patients and those with prior psychiatric disorders.InsomniaCiprofloxacin may induce sleep disruption and insomnia to the patients. To reduce the effects on sleep, it is recommended that the patient takes the drug when he or she wakes up.Allergic ReactionsCiprofloxacin elicits hypersensitivity reactions, which may manifest as rashes, itching, and swelling. 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This can also happen because the drug fights calcium found in milk. 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Silent Signs and Symptoms of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms often appear slowly and may be mistaken for other conditions. Being aware of these silent signs is crucial for early detection and treatment.Key Silent Signs and Symptoms:Fatigue: Many patients experience unusual tiredness that does not improve with rest. This can be a sign of heart issues.Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing during normal activities or when lying down is a common symptom that may go unnoticed at first.Swelling: Patients may notice swelling in the legs or abdomen, which can be attributed to fluid buildup related to heart function.Numbness or Tingling: Some individuals report strange sensations in their hands or feet, which can signal nerve involvement.Irregular Heartbeat: Patients might experience palpitations or a racing heart, often without recognizing the connection to their heart health.Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be a concerning sign, especially when combined with other symptoms.Recognizing these silent signs is essential, as they can lead to a misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for those with ATTR-CM, helping to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

Understanding Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a serious heart condition that can worsen over time, affecting quality of life and leading to hospital visits and early death. Recognizing this disease early is crucial for better outcomes.Key Points to Know:Progressive Disease: ATTR-CM is a progressive illness that can lead to heart failure and arrhythmias if not diagnosed in time.Delayed Diagnosis: Many patients face delays in getting a correct diagnosis, which can prevent timely treatment and worsen health.Common Symptoms: People with ATTR-CM often experience nonspecific symptoms related to heart failure, such as:Shortness of breath (dyspnea)FatigueSwelling (edema)Importance of Awareness: Since symptoms can be vague, it's important for healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion for ATTR-CM, especially in patients with heart issues.Noninvasive Diagnosis: There is a noninvasive diagnostic approach available to help identify patients with ATTR-CM. Early diagnosis allows for timely interventions, which can help slow disease progression.Recognizing the signs of ATTR-CM and understanding its implications can lead to better management and improved quality of life for those affected. If you or someone you know has symptoms of heart failure, consider discussing the possibility of ATTR-CM with a healthcare professional.

On a brown surface lie pills, a stethoscope and a notebook with the inscription - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Understanding Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Key Insights

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, is a serious chronic lung disease of scarring, or fibrosis, of the lung tissue. Because no cause is known, it is labelled as idiopathic, meaning idiopathic or of unknown cause. There is no known cause or risk factor, and it is mostly symptomatic in adults of age 50 to 70 years of age, gradually leading to a decline in lung function and extreme difficulty of breathing. Because of its heterogeneity, symptoms, cause, diagnosis, as well as treatment for a patient suffering from IPF are very important to know and comprehend both for the patient as well as for his caregiver.What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?More specifically, IPF falls under a general category of ILDs, any of which is classified as one of the several disorders causing inflammation and scarring in lung tissues. Therefore, for an IPF patient, scar tissue typically forms directly within the alveoli or air sacs of the lungs, directly impairing oxygen diffusion into the blood. The gradually worsening stiffness and impaired lung expansion also cause shortness of breath and other associated respiratory issues.IPF SymptomsThe initial stages of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be quite mild in terms of the symptoms but continuously worsen with the advancing disease. These early symptoms can prove important in better management of the disease.Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Dyspnea is one of the classic symptoms in patients with IPF. At onset, shortness of breath may occur only with exertional physical activity. However, with the progression of the disease, even trivial activities such as taking a few steps or climbing the stairs become significantly challenging.Residual Dry Cough: A chronic dry and hacking cough is very common among patients with IPF. They often continue despite treatment with cough suppressants or other drugs.Fatigue: People with IPF always complain of a feeling of tiredness or weakness brought about by the fact that their body is working hard because the oxygen levels in the blood are inadequate.Unintentional Weight Loss: Other common instances associated with people with IPF are weight loss without any deliberate plans. Increased laboured breathing leads to unintentional weight loss. The energy spent while trying to breathe and perform other activities ends up causing this kind of weight loss.Clubbing: This is a condition whereby the tips of fingers or toes may become enlarged and more rounded than usual. It is caused by chronic hypoxia or a lack of oxygen in the blood.Chest discomfort or tightness: Some patients with IPF will complain of a feeling of tightness in the chest, particularly on exertion or deep breathing.However, symptoms often mimic those seen in other lung diseases, and it makes it difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose IPF in the early stages. That is why individuals who are experiencing such signs should seek immediate medical evaluation.Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary FibrosisThe word "idiopathic" in IPF indicates that no specific cause can be assigned to it. Researchers, however, have pinpointed several risk factors and possible causes that might contribute to the development of fibrosis in the lungs, as follows:Genetic Predisposition: Some families have familial antecedents of pulmonary fibrosis, indicating a genetic condition. Certain genetic mutations, particularly those affecting the health of lung tissue, can make people prone to IPF.Environmental Exposure: Continuous exposure to some toxicants and pollutants in the environment may lead to a risk of acquiring lung fibrosis. Examples of these include exposure to asbestos, silica, metal dust, and organic dust usually acquired through farming by people or through droppings from birds.Smoking: As seen, cigarette smoking is a risk factor for IPF. Smokers and ex-smokers have a higher risk chance than non-smokers.Age: IPF primarily affects elderly patients above the age of 60. Risk increases with age.Infectious Viruses: Inadequate evidence exists for this; however, in some reports, the development of such viral infections as EBV or hepatitis C was proposed to be the triggering infection for lung fibrosis in susceptible individuals.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Patients with GERD, in which stomach acid often ascends into the oesophagus, have high rates of micro-aspiration of contents from their stomachs into their lungs, leading to inflammation and, likely, IPF.Most cases of IPF remain idiopathic, even with known risk factors, and much more research is required to understand fully the mechanisms responsible for causing the disease.Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary FibrosisWhile IPF presentation is nonspecific, it may be mimicked by diseases like COPD or asthma; diagnosis is, therefore, usually not direct. The doctor will use a combination of the following diagnostic tools:Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor takes a history of symptoms, family history, smoking habits, and any possible environmental exposure. The doctor listens to the lungs with a stethoscope, looking out for abnormal crackling sounds, often described as "velcro-like".Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests on the working of the lungs measure the volume of air that can be exhaled from a patient following a deep inspiration with the efficiency of oxygen transfer into the blood. Patients with IPF will have reduced lung volumes and decreased oxygen exchange.HRCT: Characteristic features are formed by the hallmark of the diagnosis on the HRCT scans. These give a high-resolution image of the lung, which might contain characteristic patterns like "honeycombing," which is the hallmark of IPF.Lung Biopsy: Doctors have to do a biopsy very frequently where, in a minor sample of lung tissue, they take and confirm the diagnosis by looking at it under the microscope.Blood Tests: There is no specific blood test for IPF; however, several tests are used in an attempt to rule out other diseases that cause lung fibrosis and might include autoimmune diseases.Exercise Testing: There may be several different types of exercise testing that can be performed on a patient to evaluate oxygen levels in the blood, indicating just how much the lungs might provide to the body under stress.Once diagnosed, the severity of IPF is usually classified through the GAP index; this index assesses gender, age, and pulmonary function to estimate the rate of disease progression.IPF Treatment-Alternative OptionsEven though there isn't any treatment for IPF, lots of treatments can help keep up the control of symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and uplift the quality of life. The available treatment options for IPF are as follows:Antifibrotic Therapy: The FDA has approved Pirfenidone and nintedanib. These medications decrease the rate of progression of lung fibrosis and decrease areas of fibrosis and inflammation.Corticosteroids and Immunosuppressants: Based on the cause of lung inflammation, doctors use corticosteroids and several immunomodulatory drugs.Oxygen Therapy: A vital component in IPF management, patients may require supplemental oxygen as the disease progresses. This therapy, particularly during exercise, is instrumental in preventing blood deoxygenation, reducing dyspnea, and enhancing patient comfort.Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A comprehensive program that includes exercise training, education, and support, pulmonary rehabilitation is a key player in improving lung function, reducing symptoms, and significantly enhancing the quality of life for IPF patients.Lung Transplantation: This is a last resort for patients whose IPF is quite advanced, and the transplant could be an option. It is a very high-risk procedure but can certainly dramatically extend survival and improve quality of life enormously.Lifestyle Changes: Treatment of the patient with IPF can be well supported by lifestyle changes that may help the patient cope better with the disease. Smoking cessation, exposure to environmental pollutants, and a balanced diet together slow down the progression of the disease.Comorbidity management: Most patients have other diseases along with it, such as pulmonary hypertension or GERD, which have to be followed to ensure optimum treatment of IPF.Research and Future TherapiesFurther research on the causes of IPF and new treatments gives hope for better management and, eventually, a cure for the disease. Current studies being done include:Stem Cell Therapy: Preliminary studies indicate that stem cells may heal the scarred lung tissue areas in patients with IPF, but they remain in an experimental stage.Gene Therapy: Gene therapy is one of the research-intensive fields relating to the area of IPF and can be curable in the future by correcting the wrong genes that cause this disease.Targeted Therapies: Most of the new drugs that are being designed are targeting the molecular pathways specifically involved in the development of lung fibrosis.The field advances IPF treatment with clinical trials, and patients are encouraged to discuss with their healthcare providers the possibility of trying such a clinical trial.Living with Idiopathic Pulmonary FibrosisLiving with IPF comes with challenges that are both physical and emotional, but if appropriately treated and given the right support, many patients manage to lead a reasonable quality life.Support Groups: Support obtained from others with IPF can be extremely helpful. Most communities provide an in-person and, in some cases, online support group setting where patients and caregivers may discuss their experiences and coping strategies.Mental Health: Depression and anxiety are common in patients suffering from IPF. It can therefore be considered part of the treatment. Professional counselling or therapy may help a patient cope with the emotional burden of such a disease.Palliative Care: For the sick patient whose disease is advanced, palliative care provides relief from symptoms and further improves the patient's quality of life. This often involves management of pain, nutritional support, and help with problems related to breathing.ConclusionIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a serious lung disease that steadily worsens over time, causing extremely significant health challenges. However, with the cause of IPF still not having been fully identified, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment remain the need of the hour to significantly slow disease progression as well as to improve the quality of life for a patient. Researchers are holding their fingers crossed that further research and new therapies will soon lead to better therapeutic options. Life with IPF is nothing if not complex for a patient; working closely with a healthcare team, one can look forward to understanding and navigating through this complex condition with the support of medical professionals and emotional and practical support.